Bern Minster, Bern, Switzerland

The first church on this site of Bern Minster probably was a small chapel built during the founding of Bern (1191). By the 15th century, Bern had expanded and become a major city-state north of the Alps. To celebrate their growing power and wealth, the construction of new church began in 1421.

During the first phase, Matthäus Ensinger, a foreman from Ulm, was in charge of the project. The construction took over 150 years, and generations of foremen, sculptors and stonemasons worked on the important monument. It was hard work and there were strict rules: the main goal of late Gothic architecture was to have a building of predetermined dimension and with as much light as possible. The craftsmen achieved an impressive space by connecting the entire inside space, using a special building technique and carefully proportioning the windows.

In the 16th century, the third stage of the build came to an end. The spire was only 50 metres high, so the Minster looked quite different among the houses of the Old City. Construction had to stop because the ground was not stable and there were some financial problems. Later on, the impressive spire was built in the Gothic style and reached its final height. Switzerland’s largest late medieval church was completed in 1893. It was made almost completely out of Bernese sandstone, with the exception of the top part of the spire.

The most famous feature of the Bernese Minster is the exceptional main portal. Erhart Küng, a sculptor and foreman from Westphalia, made the sandstone masterpiece that depicts the Last Judgement. There are 294 sculptures: prophets, angels with trumpets, Jesus Christ as Judge of the Nations, Lady Justice (added after the Reformation), martyrs and damned souls showed the believers what the day of the Last Judgement would look like.

You can visit the Minster to enjoy the unique ambiance inside the building, listen to the sound of the organs, attend a protestant service, look at the medieval architecture or enjoy the view from the platform at the top of the spire – the church and the spire of the Minster are open daily, year-round. Make sure you check the official opening hours.

References:

Bern.com

User Reviews

Maria Achilleia (7 months ago)
Cathedral of Bern was closed when we visited Bern so I can’t comment to the inside part but for outside looked beautiful up to hill next to a playground- open space area with a nice view of the river. however seems like it’s under construction.

Olivia Carroll (7 months ago)
Well worth the visit. Pretty church, but not as stunning as some. Climbing the cathedral spire was a highlight of my trip to Bern. It gives a view of the entire city! Lots of stairs in a spiral staircase (not for the claustrophobic or those scared of heights)

James Rooney (7 months ago)
Not as grand as other churches across Europe, and definitely pale in comparison to those in France and Italy, but it's definitely worth a visit. You can sit for a while and enjoy the stained glass, go up to the alter and around the sides to get a better scope of the cathedral. You can, I didn't, pay to go up the tower, I think it was roughly €5 per person (less for kids), and I'd guess the views would be unparalleled. There's also a cool gift shop full of Bern related souvenirs. Before you enter the cathedral, be sure to check out the facade, the archway has some detailed designs and figures.

Cinzia Ianniciello Anderson (9 months ago)
Absolutely exhilarating! There are over 300 steps if you want to reach the top, but it's so worth it! You have a 360 view of the city, the mountains, the Gurten, the surrounding buildings. The stairs are very narrow and steep, so if you're slightly claustrophobic it may be a bit unnerving.

Mat Bienczyk (11 months ago)
The tallest building in Bern, it's quite the site to see - standing at over 100m tall, it was completed in 1893. Magnificent architecture, both on the inside and outside. There's two tall spires that you can climb up very steep circular steps for a small entrance fee. Otherwise, entrance to the church is free.

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